grace and supplication that I may at this present poure out my heart in prayer before thee so that thou mayest be pleased to heare and help from Heaven seasonably and effectually thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord prepare my miserable unprepared heart to pray heare me graciously though I be most unworthy as thou hast promised whatsoever opposeth thy great name shall have all the glory Or Thus O Lord help my heart to pray heare my prayers thy name shall have the praises If he comes into Gods House before the beginning of publike worship O Most holy Lord God prepare every one of our unprepared hearts in most holy manner to seek thy face in every one of thy most holy Ordinances work effectually with thy most holy spirit upon every one of our hearts that the meanes of grace may prove effectuall to every one of our most sinfull soules to the building of them up in all grace to our present comfort and eternall happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen When Amen is pronounced at the end of the publike prayers Amen Lord Amen of thy infinite mercy according to thy immutable truth by thy unresistable working notwithstanding our unworthinesse insufficiency and all other impediments thy great name shall have all the glory to which alone the same is due wholy When he gives Almes Good Lord accept the will for the deed forgive and reforme what is amisse vouchsafe a plentifull blessing in due season according to thy wonted goodnesse and faithfull promises in Christ Jesus When the blessing is pronounced O Lord our God most mighty mercifull and true vouchsafe graciously seasonably and effectually to leave thy promised blessing of mercy grace and peace behind thee Amen When he awakes in the morning O Lord my God it is of thine owne and onely wonted undeserved infinite never failing mercies that I have not in this night past been smothered in my sleep and sinnes that I may behold the light of this day in peace awaken my heart with all holy affections towards thee cause me to cast off all works of darknesse and to walk in the light before thee renew remission unto me for my sins of the night renewed against thee throughout this day governe me by thy Word and spirit in all I goe about and let thy blessing be upon me in all that any way concernes me my soule through Jesus Christ shall more and more magnifie thee Amen When he layes him downe at night to take his rest O Lord my God by thy especiall providence assistance I lay me downe in peace at this present and blesse thy name unfainedly that all things throughout this day hath gone so well with me whereas else I had been every way most unhappy Oh multiply pardon to me for my fauls multiplyed against thee even this day past I beseech thee and watch over me the rest of this night to preserve me from sinning against thee though never so secretly and to keep off whatsoever would any way harme me for all grace and good my soule shall more and more through Jesus Christ glorifie thee Amen Before his going to heare Gods Word preached O Lord my God whose word I goe to heare grant me thy grace to heare it as thy word with all due reverence earnest attention and holy affection oh help me against all dead heartednesse distractednes and wearinesse make my heart as the good ground rightly to receive this heavenly seed water the same with the dew of thy grace that it may bring forth fruit abundantly in my knowledge resolution and practice in faith and godlinesse with all patience and constancy thus work in and for me mercifully powerfully faithfully notwithstanding my unprepared insensible unprofitable hearing therof whereof alas I am most hainously continually guilty for which I beg pardon and amendment yea in spite of all that the flesh the world the devill labour to the contrary Amen Amen my Father in Christ herein help me I most humbly and earnestly beg pray and beseech thee Amen at this time and upon the like occasions continually When be comes from hearing Gods Word Now my good and gracious God having by thy especiall providence goodnesse and grace injoyed the gracious meanes happy opportunity and thy help to heare thy most holy word for which exceeding great favours make me truâ—â— thankfull and of which crave the continuance unto my lives end bring the same to my remembrance affect me with each part thereof throughly cause me to mix it with faith rightly and to put each part thereof in practice Christianly as the necessities of my poore soule require especially heare and blesse in mercy as thou hast promised though I have sinned and whatsoever opposeth Amen Before his reading Gods Word in private O my heavenly Father be intreated mercifully powerfully faithfully now and at all other times be I never so unworthy indisposed and whatsoever opposeth to strengthen and blesse me in the reading understanding remembring applying and practising of thy most holy word as may be most to thy great glory and my eternall good through Christ Jesus Amen After his reading Gods Word in private O my God I most heartily thank thee for this most inestimable Jewell of thy most holy Word for this great freedome and thy especiall help to be exercised therein and for all the good that by thy blessing my poore soul hath received thereby Oh forgive my unthankfulnesse therefore and abusing thereof reforme these foule offences in me and notwithstanding the same and whatsoever else would hinder continue these great mercies unto me and make each part of thy most holy word my guide and comfort in life and death through Jesus Christ Amen I beg of thee Before his meditating in private Good Lord it is my most humble earnest suit unto thy most sacred Majesty that thou wilt not lay to my charge my long wilfull neglect of miserable aversnesse from and extream indisposition to this so much required and exceeding needfull dutie of divine Meditation but notwithstanding these and though I neither know how nor have any abilitie to discharge the same as I ought I pray and beseech thee to learne me the right way thereto and to dispose me in some good measure to the performance thereof help me to begin goe on and end in respect of the present matter thereof with sound judgement moved affection powerfull application and unfained purpose to put all to conscionable practice to the encrease of all grace and godlinesse through thy alone deare Sonne my alone sweet Saviour Christ Jesus Amen After his meditating in private My deare God my soule magnifieth thee for this opportunitie and assistance thou hast vouchsafed me most weak and unworthie in the performance of this holy dutie oh pardon pittie and reforme my ignorance insensiblenesse and manifold distempers herein oh helpe me more and more better hereunto and doe me this exceeding great favour that I may constantly beare
in mind and seasonably shew forth the life and power of each part of what thou hast inabled me to thinke upon according to the warrant of thy most holie word that I may be every way the more fit to serve thee and in every thing find the more comfort from thee through thy Christ my Redeemer Amen Before Meales Our heavenly Father be intreated to vouchsafe a gracious blessing upon these thy good creatures which we are about to receive from thy bountifull hands grant us to receive them as we ought in the strength of them vouchsafe us the continuance of good health if it be thy will above all make us the more fit to doe thee all acceptable service to thy glory and our eternal happinesse in Christ Jesus Amen After Meales O our God for ever blessed be thy name for refreshing â—â— againe so graciously at this time with thy good creatures and alwaies providing so bountifully for us whereas we are unworthy of one drop of cold water and merit the worst of evils whereas many of thy deare children suffer great want of those things which we injoy in abundance Lord make us truly thankfull forgive our sins cause us to serve thee better continue towards us thy favours never suffer us to want any thing thou seest good for us provide reliefe for all in any distresse accept and blesse us alwaies and in all things through Christ Jesus Amen A serious Prayer at any time O my heavenly Father be intreated freely and fully to forget and forgive all my offences though never so many and hainous which make me most unworthy the least of thy merties and whereby I provoke all thy heaviest displeasure against me sanctifie my soule speedily throughly and constantly that I may serve thee all the rest of my time sincerely watchfully zealously save me from thy wrath which I fear and merit and can by no meanes else escape continue towards me all needfull favours which I can by no meanes else injoy turne all my present and future inward and outward sufferings to my soules eternall good and doe what thou pleasest with me afford true grace peace and comfort to my poore soule and I desire no more of thee make me willing to leave this and fit for a better life when I leave this receive me to a better life and it is enough for me Amen through thy Christ my Redeemer the Lord Jesus my intercessor I beseech thee A Thanksgiving at any time O my reconciled God most gracious Father and alone alsufficient most wise mercifull faithfull and immutable helper in Jesus Christ whom thou hast freely given unto me to be an al-sufficient Saviour and continuall intercessor for me in whom thou art in covenant with me and all thy promises are my portion through whom thou hast afforded and assured all grace and good unto me here and all happinesse with thee in Heaven for evermore Behold as I am every way exceedingly bound beyond all I can remember or acknowledge my soules desire is alwayes set to render in all and above all things all possible praises to thy Majesty acknowledging ingenuously that all my inward outward present former and future welfare is only from thee and that else no heart could conceive or tongue expresse my misery accept my unfained though exceeding weak desires now and at all times to give thy great name for all all the glory Amen When he must goe abroad and about businesse in hast wanting time convenient to seek the Lord solemnly O my heavenly Fatherin the name of thy Sonne my Saviour I goe abroad and about my businesse in thou leavest me I shall doe sinfully and foolishly and shame and harme will befall me therefore for his sake I beseech thee governe me witâ— thy holy spirit let thine owne blessing be with me so shall I demeane my self discreetly and honestly and all shall goe well with me in all I undertake and that concernes me according to the especiall occasions guide and prosper me more especially as I look for all help onely from thee my soule shall therefore give thee alone all the glory Amen Short Ejaculations set down as they came in my mind LORD give me a peaceable sealed suffering spirit A cercumspect silent sober tongue A faire friendly free carriage A grave gracious gentle conversation Lord make me and every one of mine capable and partakers of each part of thy covenant of mercy grace peace and happinesse and it is enough Lord deliver and keep me from unconscionable contentious and unreasonable men let none that wish or seek my shame or harme have their will of me Lord cause me to walke more wisely and uprightly that I may walke more boldly and securely maintaine my cause for thine honours sake I beseech thee Lord put spirit life and power into my devotions alwaies forgive accept and blesse my weake performances Lord help me to worship thee seasonably and conscionably and worke with thy grace mercifully and faithfully that I may walk with thee watchfully and constantly Lord assure me of thy favour and help me out of debt before I dye I beg of thee Lord help me to hold fast my integrity and to trust thy alsufficiency in my greatest extremity let it not be in vaine for me to seek serve and await upon thee Lord whatsoever befals me let me never be forced to put forth my hand to iniquity as thou art most true make good this truth unto me Psal 125.3 Lord poure out the spirit of grace and supplication upon me that I may delight to poure out my heart in prayer before thee daily Lord cause me to love the Lord Jesus dearly to learne oâ— him who is meek lowely and to apply his al-sufficient satisfaction rightly Lord in the sight and sense oâ— my sinnes humble me deeply for those most displeasing 〈◊〉 thee chiefly oh discover theâ—â— unto me clearly make me tâ— hate and forsake them unfairedly Lord as thou hast expresâ— promised me Zach. 12 1â— cause me to looke upon tâ— Christ my Saviour whom â—â— smnes have pierced that I mâ—â— mourne for them as one moâ—neth for his onely sonne aâ—â— be in bitternesse for him as 〈◊〉 the losse of my first borne 〈◊〉 let his wounds heale me 〈◊〉 blood cleanse me his spiâ—â— comfort and his merits saâ—â— me Lord give me a good conscience a contented mind a discreet demeanour a competent estate and thy fatherly blessing it is enough Lord give me an understanding beleeving penetent watchfull upright wel-ordered heart and all shall be well Lord settle me in a Christian course of serving thee and let me find the sweetnesse thereof continually oh let my wayes please thee and make my enemies at peace with me Lord whatsoever betide me let nothing disgrace my Christian profession of thee or give those that hate me advantage against me Lord help me in wel-doing to commend all to thee and to trust thee most in my most helplesse misery Lord I crave and
Vow and said O Lord of hosts if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine hand-maid and remember and not forget me but wilt give unto me c. then I will give unto thee c. shee spake in her heart onely her lips moved but her voyce was not heard I am of a sorrowfull spirit and have poured out my soule before the Lord out of the abundance of my complaint and griefe have I spoken The Lord God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him so the woman went her way and did eat and her countenance was no more sad and the Lord remembred her and she said The Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed 1 Sam. 1.6 7 10 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 27. 2.3 If the Lord were pleased to kill us he would not have received a burnt Offering and a meat Offering at our hands neither would he have shewed us all these things nor would as at this time have told us such things as these Judges 13.23 Lord grant me the spirit of understanding and application of every one of these and according to my most urgent occasions thou that art the same for ever unto thine let me find the comfort and profit of these for thy mercy and thy truth unto me my soule my God in Christ shall alwayes and in all things magnifie thee Amen Who knoweth the work of the Lord who worketh all Eccl. 11.5 My God I wait the issue from thee I beseech thee make it good for me I unfainedly promise unto thee To observe diligently To remember constantly To regard carefully To acknowledge thankfully Thy gracious dealing towards me In this and every extremity Which so much overchargeth me That I can see no remedy Lord I depend upon thee Do thy good pleasure with me Oh heare forgive accept and help me Amen Amen my God in Christ I pray thee Some more though briefe yet sound Meditations for his further assurance of support and succour in his present exceeding great or any future though never so hopelesse and helplesse misery O Lord my God thou art throughly acquainted with my condition which threatneth extreame misery thou knowest what is best for me and dispofest all things according to thine owne will for my good in the end assuredly whatsoever doth or may oppose me behold I looke round about me and can see no hope of help left me but I looke up to thee in the highest Heavens from whom alone all my help commeth who knoweth thy worke that worketh all thou hast innumerable waies to help when al else faileth thou hast oftentimes heretofore seasonably unexpectedly amply wonderfully wrought for my reliefe and deliverance when I was most helplesse and whatsoever opposed and that of thine owne meere goodnesse notwithstanding my unmeasurable great sinfulnesse I know and beleeve thy hand is not shortned that thou art the same for ever unto me for good as thou art gracious work for my reliefe and deliverance notwithstanding my exceeding great unworthines all other impossibilities the earth is thine and the fulnesse thereof all things obey thy voyce speak but one word and it is done command and it shall stand fast all the world cannot hinder it thou hast provided thou doest canst hast promised must and wilt provide in the Mount in greatest extremity apparently it shall be Lord let it be seen Why then should I faint feare or doubt thou art my help in greatest need I give over all unto thee I call upon thee I depend alone on thee I await alwaies for thee thou hast never failed me never Oh never faile forsake or forget me I remember thy wonted goodnesse I fly to thy undeserved mercies I trust in thy almighty power I found my prayers on thy most faithfull promises I submit to thy most wise disposing now I beseech and urge thee most humbly and instantly in mercy as thou art wont and hast promised be pleased most powerfully as seemeth good unto thee to consider my condition to remember my estate to pitty my distresse to behold my trouble to regard my sighes to heare my prayers to relieve my wants to prevent feared calamities and to deliver me out of this great misery Oh if it be thy will let me find by experience thy fatherly love care and providence so manifested and magnified towards me that I may be freed from this in mans judgement irrecoverable misery with which and with all its circumstances thou art acquainted fully Oh let no man lose by me or have just cause to complaine of me Oh work for me that I may live of mine owne commendably without being chargeable to any that I provide for mine honestly and so remove and prevent much trouble in my selfe and sorrow shame and misery to mine that I may put all my things in good order before I depart hence that in this respect I may be the more willing to leave this world and the more desirous of a better life that in all these I may acknowledge thy goodnesse and praise thy name who hast dealt so graciously and wonderfully with me by thy grace if it please thee to doe it I will never forget it but will alwayes confesse that thy hand onely hath wrought it and shall ever endeavour to testifie true thankfulnesse for it yet O Lord my God in all these not as I will but as thou wilt who knowest what is most needfull for me yea rather deny in mercy then give me in displeasure what I conceive I so much want and doe so earnestly crave if it be thy will this burthen shall grow so heavy and lye so long upon me that I be brought unto the uttermost extremity doe buâ— encrease inward strength within me that I may come the nearer home unto thee and 〈◊〉 is enough for me I crave 〈◊〉 more of thee all shall goe well with me whatsoever betideâ— me doe not oh doe not suffeâ— me to use any unlawfull or unbeseeming means to help mâ—selfe thereby let no by-respect prevaile with me herein but direct and inable me conscionable and worthily to do my duty and so to leave the successe unâ—â— thee who wilt cause the samâ— to fall out well for me never oh never suffer me to be impatient discontented over doubtfull over carefull or discouraged or to murmure against to dispute with to complaint of or to limit thee but enable oh enable me to possesse mâ— soule in patience to rest heartly well contented with all thou sendest as that which thou in wisdome love and faithfulnesse seest best for me and wilt remarkably turne to good unto me help me to acknowledge thee aright in all my wayes oh direct my pathes cause me with an holy carelesnesse to cast my care upon thee oh take care for me make me to roule my burthen on thee oh nourish thou me raise up my heart to
hope beyond hope to beleeve beyond sense to comfort my selfe in thee and in the word of thy truth unto me to be quiet and silent to lay my mouth in the dust because thou Lord doest it and as becomes one of thine to await thy leasure and good pleasure who assuredly at the oppointed time and in due season wilt come and not carry all that it may appeare thy hand hath done it oh vouchsafe thy help herein leave my profession of thee prayeâ— to thee confidence in thee 〈◊〉 reproached least my heart aâ—â— the hearts of thine be discouraged by thy not helping me dâ— this that it may appeare 〈◊〉 right way is the best way thâ—â— it is not in vaine to seeke seâ—â— and trust in thee that the moâ—â— of iniquity may be stoppâ—â— others of thine encouraged aâ— my poore soule more and 〈◊〉 confirmed O my most gracious Lord reconciled God 〈◊〉 most mercifull Father and 〈◊〉 helper at all assaies in whoâ—â— have all without whom I hâ—â—â— nothing accept the meditation of my heart and words of 〈◊〉 mouth look favourably upâ—â— me stretch out thy hand to 〈◊〉 leeve me according to all 〈◊〉 great name notwithstanding all hinderances onely through the al-sufficient merits 〈◊〉 continuall mediation of thy Christ my alone most blessed Redeemer and most gracious Intercessor the Lord Jesus Amen Amen Being thus instructed resolved and strengthened by my God ought I not to comfort â—nd settle my heart in him may I not fully perswade my selfe that by one meanes or other it will please him to afford his help unto me and so with Hannah to be quiet in heart â—nd chearfull in countenance â—nd to await his most gracious powerfull promised reliefe according to his owne blessed will in Christ Jesus Amen See further yet more largely concerning this matter in his prayer made in his great extremity which prayer is among â—he rest in his daily devotions The right way to go to work extracted out of S. B. his Sermon on Prov. 16.3 1. The parts FIrst an Advice Secondly a Promise of â—â—â—nesse 2. The meaning Commit the choyce ordering and successe of all thy intenâ—â—ons words actions to Jehovâ—â— Doct. 1. Every one ought â—â— commit their wayes unto 〈◊〉 Lord. Proofs of this Doctrinâ— Psal 37.5 55.22 1 Pet. 5. â—â— Three things in this committiâ—â— First a sense and acknowledgement of self-insufficient for the worke Secondly a faithfull dependency on God for the appointing and effecting of it Thirdly an actuall recommending of it unto God by prayer 3. The explanation of the severals First we must feele our selves unable to under goe the burden and acknowledg our weaknesse 〈◊〉 respect first of our judgement secondly of our wisdom thirdly of our power First in our judgement to choose Pro. 21.2.25 Eccl. 11.9 10. Gen 11.4 Secondly for wisdome in managing a thing resolved on 1 Chron. 15.13 Isa 36.6 Job 5.13 14. Pro. 5.5 Jer. 10.23 Thirdly for power to accomplish any work though never so well conceived though means are never so well ordered Lam. 3.37 Joh. 15.5 Deut. 8.17 Psal 44.3 2 Cor 3.5 1 Cor. 3.7 Psal 127.1 2 Chron. 20.12 Of the second act of Faith in dependency on God and his efficiency 1. On his will and allowance 2. On his help and blessing For the first see Judges 1.11 20 18.23.28 1 Sam. 23.12 30.8 Numb 27.21 We have no Oracle but Gods Word therefore we must goe 〈◊〉 that onely for warrant Isa â— 20 Therefore examine 〈◊〉 what warrant we have hereâ—â— in every thing Reas 1. Gods will is the ruâ—â— and patterne of holinesse and justice Rom. 7.12 12.2 Pâ— 119.9 Isa 8.20 2. We owe him that respeâ—â— and obedience as our Lord Gâ—vernour Commander Mal. â— 6 Isa 55.4 Amos 6.11 For the second the act of dâ—pendency viz. a resting on God for the ordering of our courses as for provision of meanes and for disposing and blessing of them Mat. 6.25 10.19 Obiect If I must roule my work on God then need I not stirre Answ The best meanes must be used or we commit not our wayes to God aright as the word thy works thy thoughts doe prove Further then the second act of our dependency 1. In respect of our selves 2. Of other meanes For both our eyes must be towards him that he may guide us with his eye Psal 32.8 Ezra 5.5 If our businesse be in speech as Moses Exod. 4.11 12. If in action as Gideon Judg. 6.16 2 Sam. 15.31 Gen. 24.13 14. Reas 1. Gods wisdome is most exact and infinite that where he will not worke he knoweth to hinder prevent or frustrate all meanes and where he will to make all secondary causes to concurre in an admirable harmony which we out selves cannot doe Rom. 8.28 Gen. 45 5 7 8. 50.20 Reas 2. Gods providence is in every thing that falleth out Prov. 20.24 16.2 Joâ— 14.16 The third act of dependency is a resting and waiting oâ— God for the successe of our businesse and endeavours Psal 37.5 Acts 14.23 Isa 49.4 2 Sam. 10.12 Neh. 1.11 Est 4.16 Gen. 22.8 Reas 1. Because of Gods absolute power that he is omnipotent and solipotent Eccl. 9.11 Dan. 3.17 2 Chron. 14.11 Reas 2. Because of his decree all our times are in his hands yea all the actions and motions of those times Psal 31.15 Pro. 19.21 Isa 26.12 Signes of confidence in God 1. It casteth out feare Isa 12.2 Rom. 4.18 19 20. 2. And care Dan. 3.16 3. And causeth cheerfulnesse 1 Sam. 30.6 Psal 37.4 5. The last thing in committing our wayes unto the Lord is an actuall recommending of the same to him by prayer Isa 37.14 Reas 1. It is Gods will as in the Text c. 2. His wisdome invites us hereto 3. Also his power Pro. 18.10 4. His love 1 Pet. 5.7 Psal 113.13 57.2 Phil. 4 6. 5. His faithfulnesse he hath promised to give good successe as in the Text. The first Use Exhortation hereunto 1. For our owne affaires 2. For the distressed Churches 3. For others The second Use Reproofe 1. Of such as relie on their owne sufficiency 2. Of such as doe without warrant Jer. 42.20 3. Of such as dare not depend on God for meanes or sufficiency as Moses Exod. 4.10.13 4. Of such as distrust if such meanes take not or not at such time Psal 78.41.3 5. Of them that rely on theiâ— owne procurement of meanes Isa 31 1 2. 6. Of such as use ill meanes 7. Of such as trust not God with the successe Ex. 4.1.1 San 27.1 Lord I desire cause me rightly to acknowledge seeke and trust thee and as thou hast assured heare direct and help me Amen Before solemne setling himselfe to pray in private O Lord God whose work it onely is which thou knowest and I acknowledge to be exceedingly wanting in me be intreated in mercy as thou art wont and hast promised be I never so unworthy unthankfull and indisposed to poure out upon me the spirit of
expect all mercy grace peace comfort strength health safety succour help deliverance and salvation onely from thee oh grant each seasonably and effectually unto me Lord work all thy works iâ— me that I may serve thee as â— ought and work all my work for me that I may prosper a thou hast promised Lord make me as thou would dest have me and require whâ—â— thou wilt of me give me which thou seest best for me and dâ—â— what thou wilt with me Lord be my strength refuge and ready help at hand mâ— sufficiency safety and good successe and when where and how thou pleasest imploy me Lord cleare my innocency stop the mouth of injury faithfully worthily and in-offensively make me to discharge each part of my duty Lord make me wise warned watchfull and well governed by my former folly rashnesse weaknesse and misgovernment Lord let me no more be conformable to the sinfull and unseemly fashions of the world but reforme my whole man according to thy will Lord forgive and keep me from those sinnes whereby I have most dishonoured thee disgraced my Christian profession injured others clog'd my conscience terrified my souse or any way procured my selfe shame or harme Lord make me to make and let me find each part of thy Word my guide and comfort Lord direct governe restore comfort support establish inable protect provide for and blesse me as every one of my especiall occasions doe or may require of thee Lord at one time or other by one meanes or other ere we do part hence work for the effectuall conversion and everlasting salvation of every one of mine and I desire no more for them of thee Lord prepare me to meet the ere thy wrath come upon me in the day of calamity hide me under thine hand till thy indignation be over past Lord in wisdome love and faithfulnesse visit me and deale as thou pleasest with me Lord when all is past hope thou canst most easily help my case is fully knowne and wholy commended to thee thou hast helped remarkably thy hand is not shortned thy mercy never faileth thy truth endureth for ever towards me Lord let not my hope deceive nor thy help faile me oh cause me to make and let me find thy providence my portion continually so shall I be supplied seasonably and never want any thing thou seest good for me Lord prepare me to suffer to dye let every thing draw me neerer to thee let death bring me to life eternall with thee doe then what thou wilt with me call then when where and how thou pleasest for me Lord from sin shame harme in thy feare in a good repute and peace preserve me Lord how shall I behave my selfe in my present distressed estate and how wilt thou therein deale with me oh that thou wouldest dispose and dispatch all my businesse for me Lord all help faileth me none cares for me every thing seemâ— to crosse me yet help thou and all shall goe well with me Lord cause me to goe the right way to work and to submit to thy disposing wholy Lord let it appeare the right way is the best way never of never faile forsake or forget me let them that now for wel-doing scorn me see thou fovourest and releevest me Lord cause me secretly and sensibly to sorrow for my owne sinnes and to mourne for the abominations of the times and this uncessantly Lord affect me with the affections of Joseph rightly dispose me to pray for the peace of Zion seriously in all reforme and pardon me Lord give me feeling feeling feeling of all the good things I know and utter before thee thou knowest and I acknowledge the same to be extreamly wanting in me Lord let no thought of my heart nor word of my mouth be in vain for me but thou that art my strength and my Redeemer accept all my Meditations and expressions continually Lord carry me with wisdome patience comfort and good successe through all my great occasions Lord change my disposition reform my conversation speedily and powerfully wherein I am most averse from good and prone to evill especially Lord that thou wouldest instruct and inable me sincerely and circumspectly to order my lawfull affaires substantially whatsoever others may thinke speake or worke against me and that thine owne seasonablâ— and effectuall working to afforâ—â—n happy issue might according to thy mercy and truth appeare towards me Lord put me not off with outward mercies but vouchsafe me a portion of thy best blessings From sloath lust and carelesnesse from tatling tipling and trifling away time from putting off my private devotions from discontent and discord Good Lord deliver me Grounds of comfort against the nick-name of Puritane and Round-head It is nothing in respect of what hath been objected against Christ and the godly for there hath been objected against them grieuous things (a) Acts 25.7 gluttony (b) Mat. 11.18.19 madnesse (c) Joh. 10.20 blasphemy (d) Mat. 26.65 Mark 9.3 Acts 6.11 13 14. murder (e) Acts 28.4 deceiving (f) Joh. 7.12 2 Cor. 6.8 rebellion (g) Acts 17.6 7. rayling (h) Acts 23.4 babling idolatry (i) Acts 17.18 bringers of strange things (k) Acts 17.20 scisme (l) Acts 28.22 wickednesse of life (m) 1 Pet. 2.12 the abjects abused them (n) Psa 35.15 drankards sang of them (o) Psal 69.12 the basest derided them (p) Job 30.1 they were a reproach of men (q) Psal 22.12 a by-word (r) Psal 44.14 a proverbe (s) Psal 69.11 a wonder (t) Psal 17.7 Isa 8.18 gazing-stocks (u) 1 Cor. 4.9 fools (w) 1 Cor. 4.10 insufficient despised (x) Idem defamed made as filth and off-scowring (y) 1 Cor. 4.13 great men rayle at them (z) Psa 31.13 godly men censure them (a) Jobs friends 1 Cor. 4.4.10 and by slander excommunicate them (b) Isa 66.5 are most fouly scandalized (c) Ps 69.7 44.15 condemned by a whole Counsell (d) Mat. 27.1 Joh. 11.47 48. Acts 6.12 4.6.15 5.27 23.1 yea to suffer as evill doers (e) 2 Tim. 2.9 Psal 37.32 33. Psal 41.8 Isa 53.4 well if God condemnes us not what matters the censures and reproachfull nick-names of others (f) 1 Pet. 3.16 If good bad men both should judge amisse Keep conscience cleare tâ—ou needst not care I wisse Alas this is not to resist unto blood h Heb. 12.4 my Saviour sayes Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and shall say all manner of evill falsly for my sake reioyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you i Mat. 5.11 12. yea my most blessed Redeemer so have they abused thee and all thy dearest Servants oh then why should I that am not worthy the name of a Servant or Disciple think to be above my Lord and Master and better
with freenesse plainnesse truth and boldnesse quashes a slyc jeering injurious companion Lord my God govern me Some markes of a malicious man from whom good Lord deliver me and never suffer them to have advantage against or to have their wils over me 1 HE never speaks well of any except for â—â—â—re or flattery or some by-respect of his owne 2 He alwayes takes and makes every thing worse then it is 3 He will invent divulge aggravate swallow any manner of untruth against you rather then you shall-escape his envy 4 Yet dares justifie nothing if you call him in question 5 His scoffes leave behinde them an aspersion of in jury understand them how you wil and this he delights in 6 If he see you troubled he triumphs the more over you laughs the more at you and speaks the more against you By these among the rest you shall know him take heed of him good God blesse me from him A noble disposition thinks speaks hopes the best and gives each his due praise is suffering longs for a good occasion to stop the mouth of injury and then out of conscience in the strength of the Almighty does worthily he abhorres untruth boasting and vain-glory he labours to give the Lord onely all the honour for any thing he hath done well or that hath gone well my heart loves I dare trust such a one Lord be my guide and strength my safety and good successe I pray thee Simplicity without circumspection is folly Circumspection without simplicity is cunning Simplicity with circumspection is true wisdome Anothers scornfull humour may be profitable though distastfull if we watch to walke so as we give no cause of contempt against us but then if he continues scornfull to us away with him from us Word it with no man but observe be silent and learn better government Wherein you can well satisfie your selfe aske not another least you needlesly discover your disposition which it will after grieve you to have made knowne and so fall into caussesse cavilling which will more afflict Keep silence and gravity and the most strict observer shall not discover you nor your greatest maligner shall have no advantage against you Why feare we him we need not respect if our conscience be cleere and cause good surely it is a weaknesse we would condemne in others and il-becomes us away with such needlesse childish unworthy perplexities These maine reasons among the rest most highly obligeth me to most humble thankfulnesse for former assistance received and to most earnest prayer for future help from Heaven to deale directly whatsoever envy scorne or hinderance I may have hereby that my conscience is comforted my mind quieted an honest repute maintained boldnesse to stand before and speak unto the strictest authority gained and the best accusations of vile persons not feared prevented contemned also the assurance of a mercifull blessing from the hand of God promised and expected Reveale no secret to him that thou knowest to affect others more then thy selfe for he cannot conceale it from them That which thou wouldest not have told to others tell no body for if thou canst not why shouldest thou thinke another wil conceal what concerns thee Say not it is true and I dare justifie it yet I pray speak not of it rather speak not at all of it and surely no trouble will come of it Trust not him againe that hath once betrayed thee A man is in the opinion of others in regard of his owne satisfaction not as they esteem of him but as himselfe conceits he is esteemed of by them Labour to bring thy heart to such a temper that no man may have a worse conceit of thee then thou hast of thy self and a will the lesse trouble thee if others dis-esteem thee Our hidden griefs about mens opinions of us neither make them better or worse towards us walke christianly and in-offensively and never thinke or respect what others think or say of thee it wil procure great contentment to thee Doe good unto but never trust a reconciled enemy except sure signes of grace more then shewn of friendship perswade thee Not to aske or answer questions rashly Not to enquire after or relate newes hastily Not to meddle in others matter needlesly Not to dispute or cavil vainly Not to apprehend cause given too deeply Not to remember forepast injuries continually Not to speake of our owne doings boastingly Not to rehearse others actions slightingly Not to command with many words harshly Not to receive commands disputingly Not to use men of worth though meane unkindly Not to carry our selves towards any proudly Not to show we thinke of our selves conceitedly Not to be in countenance sowre and surly Not to converse with others dis-respectively Not to discover our businesse and affections unadvisedly Not to live in Gods sight prophanely Not to deale with men unfaithfully Not to lay open our selves lavishly Not to talk of state matters or great persons lightly Is the way to live honestly peaceably and praise-worthy Sloath breeds lust lust feeds floath vigilancy and temperance will strangle both One said he could hardly brook him whom he observed to laugh at what he said were it his weaknesse custome or scorn yet it was a means to make him most carefully to avoid whatsoever he was perswaded might move laughter in the most ridiculous or a malicious contemner One that is self-conceited favours nothing but what suits that humour but scornes you even for things lawfull and indifferent truly I am of Solomons mind there is more hope of a foole then of him and let him think what he will he is no better Reserved resolute words and carriage damps perhaps may informe him Freenesse to a Servant equall or inferiour procures familiarnesse sawcinesse and contempt hardly to be redressed Freenesse to thy better makes him mislikes thee be weary of thee and flight thee Towards such use respect use no complement be not troublesome visit not often speak little Towards the other be grave strict and setled above all by thy words and carriage keepe such distance that they may neither discover nor abuse thee Though a man be trusty and does what I bid him yet if he be ill natured does not kindly respect me but is self-conceited and scornfull he does not content me I may beare with and forbeare him a while to serve mine owne turne or for some other ingagement but as soon as I can I will rid my selfe of him and while I must use him to doe it in such things wherein I cannot misse him and to be as much as may be from him still I say there is no way better to awe him as by forbearing questioning with him discovering your mind to him and to be constantly silent and setled towards him Hypocriticall honesty is double impiety He liked not nor loved to have to doe with him that unknown listens to his discourses that too captiously censures his free and harmlesse speeches that steales time to
pry into his papers that screwes himself in to search into his secrets that needlesly meddles with his matters and thrusts himselfe unsought into his businesses that judgeth of his proceedings by his owne conceited fancyes without knowing or weighing his reasons in a word he will keepe himselfe as close from him as he can for not quiet but much vexation is gotten by him The harshnesse of a Father the unkindnesse of a brother falsnesse or bitternesse in a friend and a divine or noted professor that mock goodnesse are grievous to my Soule and trouble me extreamly Whether Courtiers or great men frowne or laugh upon me is all one to me so my conscience cleare me His resolutions by Gods assistance in his businesses with some that may use him harshly and for their owne ends seeke and catch at advantage against him In generall to demeant himselfe advisedly soberly reservedly gravely and that constantly and to avoid rashnesse passion opennesse lightnesse and unsetlednesse Wherein he shall heare or observe just cause of former distaste or present discontent to passe the same by without notice taking thereof discreetly and meekly and to be in speech countenance and carriage even unto such cheerfull loving and friendly yet to free himselfe from such places persons and occasions with wisdome speed and secrecy as if he had never received cause of discontentment given him To use onely pre-considerate solid and few speeches and those to the purpose with all moderation lownesse truth and plainnesse to watch against and cut short unadvised frothy and superfluous discourses also all hasty loud double and circumstantiall expressions To shew a solemne setled seemly behaviour in looks and resture and to eschew loosnesse distemper and uncomelinesse to the contrary Not to listen to regard or be troubled with others conceits or their opposing speeches for their owne ends to forbear answering of them with a silent tongue and staid countenance to turne from them so without distasting of them to show he mislikes them and to goe conscionably and substantially about his own businesse notwithstanding them Commending all to the Lord first and that often and earnestly to aske counsell of wise honest and worthy men deliberately seasonably and judiciously to the uttermost to take heed of discovering his condition affections or intentions to any without very good assurance of secrecy or forced by necessity To resolve and doe with warrant from Heaven that which may afford him the freest use of what God in mercy hath given him without obligation to or dependance on others but if there be no remedy rather to trouble a friend then a brother All in the only assistance and relying alone upon the wonted most wise mighty mercifull and faithfully promised disposing and blessing of my heavenly Father in Christ Jesus Amen The particulars are not convenient to be expressed well in all with Christian wisdome loâ—â—ok to what concernes his own occasions not to what suits with anothers fancies BEing exceedingly troubled between hope of credit and profit and feare of shame and losse in a businesse that exceedingly concerned him he resolved by Gods government howsoever it went not to discover himself to any not to break out into folly or passion if the worst he feared should befall him but even then to be the more circumspect and sober-minded not to yeeld to dejection and distemper but the more to look to the hand of and to depend upon the Lord 2 Chron. 20 12. Who assuredly will cause help to come by some other meanes if not by this Est 4.14 and will cause even the shame and sorrow which he might justly suffer for his folly and sinne to turne remarkably to his good in the end Gen. 19.20 to rest his mind contented in the assurance of his Gods most wise gracious mighty and faithfull disposing of all to this end and because inward discontent or outward discovering his crosses and affections doth not redresse but make worse the businesse and gives the more cause of talke and keeps the same the longer in others memory and would give such as would joy in his misery the more advantage to vex and scorne him whereas his owne strict and constant reservednesse secrecy outward slighting the businesse will mittigate if not suppresse the tarling tongue and malicious mouth of curiosity contempt or injury but if God please the businesse goe well with him discreetly and christianly to triumph in Gods truth and mercy howsoever until the issue to commend all to the Lords disposing and blessing 2 Sam. 12.16 and then with a quiet heart chearfull countenance and well-ordered carriage to await the Lords leisure and good pleasure towards me 1 Sam. 1.18 Lord governe and work for me Whatsoever businesse ever so much hereafter may inwardly trouble me by no meanes in word countenance or carriage to shew the same outwardly then whatsoever thoughts trouble him his case is undiscovered to others and no advantage is given against him Besides keeping silence gaines time to overweigh how best to behave ones selfe whereas if a thing be once out and knowne it is too late to recall it O Lord God send me good speed I pray thee cause me to hold my peace to wit whether thou my God wilt make my businesse prosperous or no Gen. 24 12 21. A foole uttereth all his mind but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards Prov. 29.11 Lord thou knowest my meaning my former folly my exceeding weaknesse oh pardon what is past pitty what is present and governe me for time to come Briefe Observations of his own in his Calling and Place viz TO receive and execute commands without arguing or unwillingnesse readily and faithfully it is acceptable and furtherable To command advisedly with few and plain words freely and roundly with grave countenance and setled carriage this procures obedience gaines respect and maintaines authority To see that what he commands be executed to be an example of diligence faithfulnesse and resolution it wins imployment favour trust and honour Upon any Watch in Garrison March Quarter or approach to weigh seriously the instant circumstances of time place occasion what Perdues Centinels passages where and how to order all with most safety to take the Alarme timely and to be freest from surprize to settle the Guard to dispose of the Officers to tell them their severall duties concerning the present service to provide Ammunition to warne to vigilanty and if the Guard be within reach of the enemies Cannon by all watchfulnesse to warne to avoid them rather to dye with honour then to yeeld or flye with shame to be an example of watchfulnesse and courage once ill done alwaies undone therefore never to be secure say others what they will for it may happen once that never may happen againe then it is too late and in vaine to say who would have thought it There can be no greater dishonour to a Captaine then to be surprized upon his Guard remember the examples of other
of God otherwise he would suffer us to give credite to them as to other Authors 28 That they have been preserved from time to time so that they have not perished whereas other books of great price and estemation have been utterly lost 29 Whereas persecuting Tyrants have sought to suppresse the doctrine thereof they have still more and more flourished and been spread abroad 30 It is an undoubted argument that they are his most facred Truths because God by such weak instruments and silly meanes doth spread abroad the doctrine thereof spite of all oppositions for none but a greater power could subdue a lesser 31 That it is true whatsoever doctrine it revealeth though it make never so much against our pleasures profits and lusts yet till a man be brought to it it never worketh soundly 32 There is an especiall glory in the Truth in the Promises and the conditions of them 33 They teach us to know God in Christ 34 And the Trinity in Unity 35 And the doctrine of regeneration all which are foolishnesse to the flesh yet the power of God to salvation to all that believe 36 The constant deaths of so many wise sober and meeke Martyrs who ever in their sufferings for this truth which no torments could extort from them have had a plain distinction from the death of frantick and witlesse persons declareth the same 37 That the Spirit of God inclineth our hearts to beleeve this and to receive the same as his infallible truth 38 The universall and continuall consent of this Booke from time to time by so many holy humble learned men of divers Nations in all Ages giveth testimony to the same I beleeve Lord help my unbeliefe These for this Some few plaine profitable and pleasing Instructions for all times HEare and be silent be silent and observe observe and remember remember and doe All that you see judge not all that you heare beleeve not All that you know tell not all that ye can doe not Goods lost nothing lost courage lost much lost credit lost more lost Soule lost all lost To serve God hinders not to give almes impoverish not Ill gotten goods enrich not allyar prospereth not No more of this now A seasonable and serious Advertisement concerning the too common and crying sinnes of our calling This Advertisement was written when he was a Captain in the Nether-lands and may not be uselesse here WHich of us does not think and dares not say God loves me Christ is my Saviour and Heaven my hope whereas if we would examine our hearts and wayes seriously and impartially many among us should see our selves shamefully deceived and not to 〈◊〉 about doth not our preserring our pleasing and profitable â—â—s before the will of God our love to Carise and walking in the way of life give us the lye to our faces Wherefore it concernes us highly to labour effectually for some good measure of those infallible marks which may undoubtedly assure us we are in covenant with God doe love the Lord Jesus dearly and shall be saved everlastingly unto which end I commend Master By fields Marrow of the Oracles of God as an especiall help by Gods blessing and because my soule desires we may not deceive our selves and lose our labour in this maisie matter that so much concerne our true peace here and happinesse for evermore I take the boldnesse in zeale to my God in good will towards you my Fellow-Officers of our own nation especially freely and plainly to beseech warne and charge you as I doe mine owne soule to lay to heart somewhat I have to declare unto you that instead of those favours God hath pleased to promise to his we bring not upon our owne heads the contrary curses let us then lay this as an infallible foundation that it is altogether in vain for us to look for any good from the Lord so long as we dare to live in any one knowne sinne with allowance and without repentance which is accompanied with a desire resolution and endeavour to break off the same and to doe no more so for all unregerate men who live in their sinnes without repentance are strangers from the Covenant of Promise having no part in the Testiment they have no hope but are without God in the world Eph. 2.12 Mat. 7.6 15.26 But it may be said this is faire and farre off we know we are all sinners and trust the Lord will have mercy on us c. Well excuse me I meane no harme the next will come neerer home even into our secret bosomes againe I say what I say to any I say to mine own soule The Lord saith Ier. 7.9 10 19. Will you steale murder commit adultery and sweare falsly and come and stand before me and say we are delivered although ye doe all these abominations you provoke the Lord to anger to the confusion of your owne faces I pray then what shall we gaine but all misery and mischiefe judge ye now let us make application for what the Lord sayes concerning some his meaning is concerning any other sinne as if it were there mentioned Well then dare you drinke drunk whore sweare quarrell shed blood and as prophane Beasts make a mock of God and goodnesse scorne and abuse good men and because the Lord yet suffers thee and seems to be silent thinkest thou that God is like unto thee and a patron of iniquity Oh horrible impiety he will reprove thee and set all thy sinnes in order before thee Psal 50.18 19 20 21. then wo wo wo unto thee Ier. 13.15 27. Will you dare you by your selves or others for your selves or others flatter insinuate slander bribe lye be bribed sweare cozen oppresse forsweare mince geld dally and play with an Oath make others lye sweare and forsweare themselves for your base profit They bend their tongues like their bowes for lies but they have no courage for the truth upon the earth for they proceed from evill to worse and they have not known me saith the Lord Jer. 9.3 Let every one take heed of his neighbour and trust you not in any brother for every brother will use deceit and every friend will dealt deceitfully and every one will deceive his friend and will not speak the truth for they have taught their tongues to speak lyes and take great pains to doe wickedly Jer. 9.5 and is it not just thus among us tell me will God suffer this he will not shall I not visit for these things saith the Lord and shall not my soule be avenged on such a Nation as this Psal 50.21 Ier. 5.9 Will you dare you grind the faces of the poore Isa 3.15 Souldiers flay the skins from their backs suck the marrow out of their bones blood out of their veins and pull the hearts out of their bodies by cutting off and with-holding their due by forcing them to take their off-reckonings at unreasonable rates or by giving them none at all or by halves by
What then shall availe you what then shall deliver you Rev. â—6 15 16 17. besides though I have been plaine and open I name none neither doe I accuse or aime at any in particular the innocent are not wronged the faulty deserve reproofe and warning such faults there are in whom they are they know best that are guilty of them would God there were none such though I herein were made a lyar our consciences will accuse or excuse us although their mouthy sometimes be stopped never much Rom. 2.15 I will 〈◊〉 you further for mine own paâ—â— I look for little thanks for my labour in being thus honestly free but rather expect though there be no reason if I were rightly understood to get nothing but hatred contempt reproach jeers scorns revilings ill will and injury from the world and hers John 15.18 19 20. if such smile upon me it is but to deceive me but I care not and what need I for such were never nor never will be my friends but in words and shew never did nor never will doe me good Jam. 4.4 but have been are and will be my enemies for speaking the truth Gal. 4.16 what then must the truth be with-held in unrighteousnesse God forbid Rom. 1.18 my cause is with my God he will maintaine it unto the uttermost Isa 49.4 I feare the face of no man and why should I the Lord himselfe hath promised to comfort strengthen and preserve me Isa 51.12 13 41.10 13 14. who or which of you then can discourage hinder or harme he hath been is hath assured me he will be more for me then all the world that can be against me Rom. 8. I you see am armed be you but warned or the words that I have written shall not onely accuse you but encrease your condemnation at the last day John 12.48 and I shall by Gods good grace and al-sufficient help have wherewith to answer him that for this will call me to account But me-thinks I heare some say you are too hasty with us first heare us and answer these few Objections throughly then goe on in reprehending sharply else revoke your opinion and be more gentle we pray you Obiect 1. Every man at leâ— the most doe so and would you have us as you seem to be singular Answ If there be not warrant for what we doe as there is hone from God for this the more that doe so so much the worse for so much the more is God dishonoured and provoked and iniquity is the more backed therefore thou shalt not follow a multitude to doe evill Exod. 23 â—â— 2 Great ones doe so and why not others as well as they Answ It is true Gods Word and common experience declares it but what is that for our warrant their greatnesse without goodnesse is nothing to the Lord who is greater then they and he that is higher then the highest here regardeth and there be higher then they Eccl. â— 8 and if thou follow their finnes and perish with them for company what can their greatnesse availe thee when thou art a dying let thy wofull experience answer me 3 Such as have no small shewes of Sanctity such as have a great name and talk much of Religion and in other things to the world walk unblamably doe so viz. such and such c. Answ This I confesse hath been often cast in my teeth and hath not a little grieved though never a whit unsetled me confidering their examples if they be faulty can no more warrant me to do so then Noahs drunkennesse Lots incest Abraham Isaaks and Jacobs dissembling Moses distrust Aarons and Miriams envy Davids adultery and murther Peters deniall of Christ and the like ought to warrant me to commit the like offences which the most ignorant of us I imagine will not averre besides we must walk by Gods precepts and not by unwarrantable examples the fals of Gods children be as sea-markes and ship-wracks to give us warning that we miscarry not in like manner my soul wisheth for the greater glory of our God and more gracing our Christian profession for the removing away this scandall and stopping the mouth of iniquity for the fuller testimony to others and more assurance to their owne consciences that they are true Christians to cut off these cutting reproaches which are often cast in the teeth of honest men and for the more comfort of Gods children that such among us especially who would be esteemed sincere Christians would depart from such iniquities 2 Tim. 2.19 4 The States force us hereunto by their evill paiment for heretofore the most of us have and many of us yet doe give ever proper pay for the paying of their companies and if we doe not thus help our selves we cannot live but must runne in debt or spend our own meanes if we have any and so prejudice if not undo our selves and ours besides we desire to help our selves no more then they take from us and they know it well enough and wink at us is not the Labourer worthy of his hire who goeth to warfare at his owne charge he that serves the Altar must live of the Altar What say you to this this is Seripture too and we beleeve you do not as you say should doe if you can answer to these and then tell us what you would have us doe Answ I confesse cur condition by their ill payment is extreame hard and uncomfortable that puts upon us a necessity of doing ill to help our selves or to suffer much in our outward estate for wel-doing yet their forcing us thus can no more warrant me to wrong the Land then another mans stealing from me can warrant me to steale from him or others besides the States will say we have the eighth day to help us which we enjoy rather of custome and by connivance upon this consideration then of right but Sir John Ogle hath fully given reasons for the Captaines receiving the profit of the eighth day both how necessary and fitting the same is further I say we are bound in conscience to God to preferre the worst of suffering before the best of sinne and if we be bound if God call us for well-doing to suffer death how much more these losses Alas this is not to resist unto blood and it is a signe we are more like the Gadarens then true Christians if rather to part with our 〈◊〉 lawfull helps we will part with Christ and his comforts Again be assured if we dye in well being trust God he would assuredly help one way or other neither hath he any need of our indirect courses to serve his providence as if he could not or would not help us otherwise whereas indeed although we consider it not his curse secretly consumes or openly crossed us for doing thus for we see very few the richer thereby 〈◊〉 by gaming gay cloaths whooring drinking debauching live and dye miserably poore yet in a worse condition that other that
not repent this little paine â—o much will be thy comfort and thy gaine â—e all be done as thou Lord seest fit Amen Amen Lord Jesus so be it Woe for the abuses of these sinful times Our Callings common crying chiefest crimes IS it not a wicked world when honesty Is called and counted childish foolery When lying perjury and falshood foule Are followed gract maintaint without controule When to extort opresse by force or fraud Instead of right and mercy most applaud When place and power abused are shamefully To wrong the poore and suppresse equity When avarice pride lust excesse to cherish We cause our owne and others soules to perish No attestations false to prov 't I need Those most accursed do it leave off take heed When great ones customes though in things amisse Before Gods expresse Law preferred is When because most doe so it must so be Or who doth otherwise strange man is he When vertue is for shew not deed esteemed When all is well if honest he be deemed Though guilty conscience tels us to our face Seem what we will we are in evill case When to our shame if but our turnes we serve We crouch to such who small respect deserve When he the wise wise man a counted is That closest carrieth all 〈◊〉 knaveries When he that freely plaâ—â— deales and truly Is worthlesse witlesse held 〈◊〉 most unruly Is hated scorned frowned of and hardly used Belyed defamed watcht scoâ—â— at and misused When the malicious partall man doth threat Yet his best cause before faâ—â—e justice seat Dares not present who darknesse works hates light A conscience foule dares not appeale to right But underhand scandall 〈◊〉 raise ne're ceaseth Th' are heard stood for by such as such things pleaseth When a wrongd-just cause which craves to be righted Shall scarce be heard at best put off and slighted When falshood many truth few friends shall find A true discovery how we are inclin'd Enough vaine foolish men run on your race Horrour shame mischiefe misery disgrace Your portion is and truth that now is blamed Shall once prevaile and never be ashamed Comfort help Heaven in no wise looke you for Continuing thus your wayes he doth abhorre The right Religion understand me well The galled guilty will fret raile and swell He that 's a griev'd and findeth fault with this I more then think himselfe most faulty is Silence with godly sorrow and t' amend To just suspition sinne shame harme puts end THe proud peevish jest mâ— and vexing humour of a Preacher is most offensive and unseemly An humble quiet grave and friendly carriage does much good and is most comely Hate thy sinne as well as know it forsake it as well as beg pardon for it if thou my self practice it it little availes thee to reprove it Doe well trust God and be merry whosoever mislikes it There is no fence against the ungrounded suspitions oâ— the slanderous spitefull injurious uncharitable speechs oâ— others which thou knowest not of in this case approve thy heart to God give no cause of offence and care not for harme shee they shall not Parents must not be tyrants nor children masters To be temperate in eating and drinking To make a covenant with our eyes To be more watchfull sober and wise in speaking To rise every morning timely To premeditate before holy â—uties To strive against deadnesse wearinesse customarinesse in performing them To labor for an holy harmlesse carriage furthers inward quier and prevents outward scandall Avoid all by-respects all evill thoughts all misgovernment of the tongue all unscemly behaviour and all sinfull actions Endeavour Gods glory in all things to entertaine godâ— thoughts to strive to govern the tongue to embrace a coâ—â—ly behaviour to walk always as in Gods presence to apprâ—â— our hearts to him helps forwâ—â— in holinesse Pray pray pray that God would shew thee the right way 1 Because he requires it Jer. 6.16 2 Because he hath promised to shew it Psal 32.8 Jer. 33.3 3 And to cause us walk in 〈◊〉 Ezek. 26.37 Hos 14.19 4. And that we shall perseven therein Psal 66.9 5 And because the Lord hath promised his blessing to all that walk in it Ps 1. 50.23 119. Gal. 6.16 Or thus of the same Pray to be enabled to walke with God and therefore to avoid evill company a maine hinderance thereof Prov. 4.14 1â— to imbrace good society a great furtherance therto Pro. 2. â—0 to be shewed the right way Ps 119.5 part Jer. 10.23 to be kept from all deceitfull wayes Psal 119.5 part and that the Lord will knit our hearts to feare his Name Psal 86.11 For the attaining to and furtherance of a pious acceptable profitable conversation keep my heart above all things therfore avoid and strive against prophane uncharitable lofty thoughts ungrounded discontented conceits spirituall worldly pride hipocrisie deceitfulnesse in heart dispensation to neglect good or to commit evil inward danger envy fretting at others prosperity murmuring against disputing with God to strive against the occasions of sinne offered and the sinne it selfe be it never so secret To entertaine and to labour after reverend awfull holy thoughts in respect of God presence loving charitable thoughts in respect of others humble and lowly thoughts is respect of our selves soundnesse of judgement to discerne thing aright inward content meâ—â—nesse sincerity sobriety stâ—â—ednesse peaceablenesse to dea good and fly evill according â—â— the light of a well informeâ— conscience Pray to leave sinne whereof we are guilty to be preserved from those whereof we are not so apparently faulty to mount for what we cannot mend For the first sort confesse them flye the occasions of them falling sometimes through frailty not to lye still therein but to repent and amend speedly and to watch there-against more carefully vow the more earnestly against them For the second feare our selves think we our selves never so free watch against the accasions least we fall before we feare For the third lay them before the Lord beg reformation endeavour to practice all we can If we would pray to be heard ground all on the word of God pray in the name of Christ beleeve acceptation in him await such an answer as he sees fit rest on the Lords al-sufficient assistance attend with good endeavours let words be few at least with great judgement and affection let thy heart be lift up be advised what thou prayâ—â— for strive against habituall at stractions passions lusts be fervent in spirit with instanty without failing or discouragement with perseverance truth Lord thou requirest it but I am wholly insufficient to it but thou hast promised to give it therefore I crave it relying thereon for times of prayer when he can to be more large and solemne wanting convenicy hereto to be full of short Ejaculations and when neither of these can be conveniently performed to pray in hean for all are commanded commended acceptable and powerfull all in the name
4 To sing out of the Psalms 5 To imbrace all occasions for Gods publike worship In each of these to seek the Lord conscionably 1 Labouring for preparation revetence sincerity feeling chearfulnesse and faith 2 Striving against carelesnesse coldnesse drousinesse hypocrisie and customary service 3 When any urgent businesse of my calling causeth the deferring any of these duties to take a more convenient time yea to redeem the time for the performance thereof Thirdly concerning the duties of my particular calling 1 In generall to walk faithfully diligently and wisely 2 In particular towards Supenours in all things lawfull obediently towards those I command gravely towards equals friendly 3 When I am commanded to pursue my businesse earnestly and chearfully till the same be effected 4 In commanding others to doe all distinctly throughly plainly and impartially to seâ— the same effected accordingly to check and punish neglect sharply 5 If joyned with other in command to seek and follow the best counsell and commendablest course 6 Not to despise the good advice of any though never so meane but by all good meanes to grow more fit for service 7 For better furnishing himselfe with ability to listen to others discourses to observe what others doe commendably in this or that occasion to consider the use of things with silent application Fourthly what company to avoid viz. of swearers drunkards quarrellers gamsters whore-masters filthy talkers scoffers at goodnesse c. to imbrace the society of honest men though meane Fiftly what places to avoid as of uncleannesse excesse playing c. though inticed or provoked thereto and to frequent such places where good is to be gotten Sixtly what especiall sinnes to strive against 1 In heart unadvised anger remembring injuries desire of revenge hatred envy impure lusts 2 In words brawling railing reviling scoffing indiscreet superfluous obscene boasting unnecessary selfconceited censuring ungracious familiar blasphemous speeches 3 In behaviour lightnesse lumpishnesse pride familiarnesse 4 In looks wandrings wantonnesse lustfulnesse 5 In action hard dealing impurity secret or open intemperance all sinne folly and disorder Seventhly to entertaine these contrary vertues 1 In heart watchfulnesse sobriety putting up wrongâ— forgetting injuries passing by offences without taking notice of them if God be not dishonoured or my selfe disabled else to use all good meanes to stand for the truth and cleare my innocency and quietnesse 2 In words that they be wise few seasonable to the purpost charitable true meek gracious 3 In behaviour gravity modesty humility curtesie seemlinesse to make a covenant with mine eyes not to behold vanity with delight 4 In action to shew tenderlie artednesse to live chastly temperately thriftily and to deale justly Eightly in case of justice and judgement 1 Not to condemne the innocent or justifie the offender 2 Nor to accept persons for any respect 3 To examine the cause throughly 4 To heare both parties deliberately 5 To hate bribes unfainedly 6 To helpe the afflicted against the rich and mighty 7 To execute justice rightly 8 To pronounce sentence according to warrant gravely boldly briefly impartially substantially how many who whatsoever opposeth Ninthly for convenient maintainance according to place and calling 1 To live within compasse 2 To weare plaine serviceable and decent apparrell 3 To avoyd running into debt and to pay debts by all good meanes possible 4 Not to live at anothers Table 5. Not to lay out on thinâ— superfluous 6 To allow what is fitting for my Family 7. In weldoing to depend â—â— God 's providence Tenthly in more espeâ—â— imployments in my plate To propound in each Goâ— glory to have respect to hiâ— Cause to be affected to hiâ— Church to order all affaires â—â— judgement where my calling requires though never 〈…〉 gerous to be willing forward couragious bould industrioâ—â— fearelesse to the death â—â—â—mending my self into the 〈◊〉 of God wholly for helpe 〈◊〉 and good successe To avoyd and strive agaâ—â—â—â— rash adventures without a warrantable calling foolish cuâ—osity ostentation unwillingnesse sloathfulnesse backwardnesse frivolous excuses cowardlinesse fear flying distrust of Gods help for sufficiency and protection for safety and blessing for a good issue Eleventhly and lastly concerning lawfull recreation 1 To take such time for them that things of more consequence â—â— the same time be not hindered by them 2 To use such exercises as are manly comely and fittest for my calling place and age 3 With nien most free from offence and of a good report 4 All with moderation not spending too much time labour or cost therein 5 Especially to spend some spare time in reading in some good morrall Author as Plutarks Lives Caesars Coâ—â—entaries c. and to ride abroad to view the Trench Works c. both for better enabling him to doe service To endeavour all in a conscinable manner seeking in all Gods glory chiefly by the help of his holy Spirit onely spite of all oppositions trusting through his grace in sincerity to testifie obedience and in all unwilling failings not to doubt of his most mercifull forgivenesse gracious acceptation and favourable blessing in the face of Christ Jesus in whose name my Father I beg a disposition and ability to discharge each part of my duty seasonably wisely uprightly and constantly according to what I have purposed and expressed before thee that thou in mercy â—ccording to thy truth in him â—â—ayest please at all times in 〈◊〉 things to be with me for â—â—â—d Amen How to stirre up and embrace right Christian resolutions for the Cause of God and against his enemies FIrst be fully assured it is the Cause of God else it is sinful and shall not be blessed but undoubtedly it is the Cause of God because his pure worship accooding to his Word is stood for because we have been and are grievously persecuted by tyrannous Idolaters for the same and that neverthelesse the Lord for his great names sake according to his truth in great mercy hath many and miraculously delivered and preserved us and still doth as at this day Secondly therfore as all good Christians are strictly bound so I my self must endeavour to doe my best to maintaine this his Cause and that because 1 The Lord requires it 2 And curseth bitterly such as helpe him not against the mighty 3 And hath plagued such for their neglect 4 Because I have the warrantable examples of Gods children who willingly ventured their lives for this Cause 5 The commendations in Scripture of such is also a spur hereunto 6 And the blessings of the Lord upon them both which we may look for 7 We are Fellow-helpers with the Lord in his Worke against his enemies an acceptable work Thirdly the manner how to performe this commanded warrantable commendable blessed and acceptable work 1 Zealously and that 1 Because the glory of the great name of the eternall God of which he is so jealous is the thing we fight for the Cause being his 2 The preservation of his holy Word and pure worship among